Legends, leaders get ACM Honors

CLICK THIS IMAGE to see a photo slide show from the ACM Honors event (this photo of Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis: Jae S. Lee/The Tennessean).

Most awards shows are filled with some degree of "who's gonna win" mystery, but the winners at the Academy of Country Music's second annual ACM Honors were announced last spring.

Held Tuesday at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, this Honors substituted appreciation and context for the mystery, as the Academy paid tribute to a collection of country legends and contemporary industry leaders. No surprises, many thanks.

"It's a lump in the throat to be here this evening," said Haggard, after one standing ovation ceased and just before another began. He was there to receive a Poet's Award, along with songwriting great Howard. "It's wonderful to go in with Harlan Howard. I idolize him."

Haggard, of course, is among country music's greatest singer-songwriters, and while Howard was not blessed with Haggard's unendingly nuanced singing voice, he made the most of his formidable writing talents, penning hits including "Heartaches by the Number," "I Fall to Pieces" (written with Hank Cochran), "Busted," "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down" and many others. He also offered what some feel to be the best definition of country music when he said that great songs consist of "three chords and the truth." President Barack Obama recently quoted Howard's words at the White House.
Womack, who served as the evening's host, sang with power and range on a medley of Parton songs.

Rogers, Travis, Williams and the late guitar-picking singer-songwriter Reed received the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, named for the West Coast-based musician, producer and music executive. Williams' three daughters were present to accept his award, and a video tribute found Kid Rock joking about his friend's longtime aversion to awards shows.

"My rockin' rebel father," Rock began. "I know you must be absolutely thrilled and excited. I know how much you love awards and how much they mean to you."

If Williams had attended, he probably would have enjoyed the musical performances, which included medleys of his hits by Jamey Johnson and the Grascals and a smashing version of his "(I Don't Have) Anymore Love Songs" by Lambert.

Other highlights included guitar heroics from Brent Mason and Steve Wariner in the Reed segment; Blake Shelton's version of "The Gambler" during the Rogers tribute; Underwood's soaring, Travis-penned "I Told You So"; Jim Lauderdale's medley of three Howard songs; and Vince Gill's take on Haggard's ballad "Holding Things Together."

"I want to thank him for helping to make this town what it is today," Roe said. "I'm honored to accept this award, but I'm more honored to have his blood running through my veins."

Rogers was at the Schermerhorn for the event, and his acceptance speech was a blend of grace and wit. Travis, who lives in New Mexico, was there as well.

"I feel like I need to be older, or dead," Travis joked about receiving what is, in essence, a lifetime achievement award. "Great thanks to so many wonderful songwriters in this town. The hits don't happen without them."

Parton, whose songs are as popular in Liberia as in the U.S. (which is to say quite popular), received the Jim Reeves International Award. In 2008, Parton played two sold-out shows at London's O2 Arena, and she'll release the Dolly: Live From London concert CD/DVD in November.

The Tex Ritter Award went to nine-time ACM award winner Toby Keith's Beer For My Horses, a film produced by Keith's Showdog Productions in conjunction with CMT Films and directed by Michael Salomon.

David Young, who retired this year after 20 years as an Academy staffer, was recognized with the Mae Boren Axton Award, given for dedication and service to the organization. Young most recently served as the Academy's senior director of operations.

The Academy also shone a light on its musicians, producer and engineers. Chuck Ainlay and Tony Brown, who often work as a studio team, won engineer and producer of the year, respectively. The musician awards went to Tom Bukovac, Eric Darken, Dan Dugmore, Aubrey Haynie, Jelly Roll Johnson, Greg Morrow, Gordon Mote and Glenn Worf, all of whom contributed to numerous recording sessions.

"I moved here 25 years ago," said harmonica master Johnson, "and, like most musicians that move here, you come and hope for the best. It's turned out better than I ever imagined."

Related:

Watch some honoree interviews with The Tennessean's Heather Byrd from the ACM Honors red carpet below.